6 Reason to visit Halong Bay on Huong Hai Sealife Cruise

Official Website of Huong Hai Sealife Cruise,6 Reason to visit Halong Bay on Huong Hai Sealife Cruise

1. UNESCO Halong bay World Nature Heritage  

Halong Bay was first listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, in recognition of its outstanding, universal aesthetic value. In 2000 the World Heritage Committee additionally recognized Ha Long for its outstanding geological and geomorphological value. Hence Halong Bay is twice granted World Heritage status for a reason: It is really that picturesque. The trademark emerald green water and 3,000 islands of towering limestone are worth your visit. Sometimes you really need to believe the hype.

2. It’s all natural

Halong Bay is one of the most amazing places you would go to on planet earth because it's all natural and there is nothing additive or artificial involved with it. The stunning karst outcroppings in Ha Long are made of 3000 years of chemical reactions between limestone and dripping water. If the scenic rock scene takes such a long time to develop, it deserves your visit. Be aware that you will witness the amazingly changing, dynamic landscape.

3. Ecotourism site for the sustainability minded folks

The steep karst outcrops of the bay are not only beautiful, but ideal for rock climbing. It's fun to get off the cruise boat and paddle around the bay either in a kayak or a row boat. That way you can get up close to the limestone formations and get a different perspective. It’s magic in the truest sense of the word.

4. Fantastic cruise experience

For a stellar experience on the water, look no further than wooden boats called junks which are abundant in Ha long Bay and come in different price ranges. It is probably the best means of travelling in the region. A Junk voyage sailing through the wonders of this Bay could range from a few hours to spending a day or even a night on board but the experience is truly outclass and wonderful.

5. Sumptuous seafood menu

The culinary scene in Ha Long Bay is often overshadowed by the highly popular splendid island, and it deserves more than that, simply because the food is really excellent. You’ll find it hard to resist the plump shrimp, the delicate blush of an octopus tentacle, the meatiness of the rich crab meat served in a really light delicate broth made of clam nectar and garlic, and garnished with tiny slices of juicy limes.

6. Experience Halong fisherman life

If you insist on going local, nothing can beat a kayak to a fishing village to see locals going about their daily business, where a casual, friendly atmosphere pervades. Having the opportunity to peek and participate in their world is interesting, as you can experience catching some treats for yourself or making fishing nets with the locals.

Halong night market

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Halong smile and sales culture in Halong Night Market.

Official Website of Huong Hai Sealife Cruise,Halong smile and sales culture in Halong Night Market.

"Since the program "Smile Ha Long" was launched, we seem to be more encouraged in implementing of cultural sales, especially in a resort for serving tourists. So we are smiling more friendly to greet every visitors coming here"- Mrs. Vu Thi Nhu, Leader of M8 block in Halong night market told us.

Halong night market is the place for trading of nearly 200 small vendors, who were moved from the old temporary market in Bai Chay more than 5 months ago. The traders here said that: The current trade has gradually become more stable. The number of tourists visiting the market more and more crowded; beside Vietnamese, there are also the tourists from travel agents of Korea, Thailand, Hong Kong and so on. Therefore, the customers demand has also increased, compared to the first times of getting. Mrs. Nguyen Thi Xinh, a small business shared: "The market in a tourist area, seller hospital attitude, polite and civilized are the most necessary. When guests enter any kiosks, you have to welcome guests to introduce known characteristic products of Ha Long bay in particular and Vietnam in general . We believe that, it will give the visitors more good impression of Halong night market ".

In addition to the sales professional style, affable friendly smile, the Management Board also provides Market Regulation in building civilized market trading, as sales at list prices, ye-catching and logical arrage of commodity ; always ensure clean and beautiful Halong Night Market image.... Besides, each kiosk is arranged in open space and fully equipped with lighting, fire and security system which ensure business facilities stable and long lasting. Ms. Kerry Morton, CEO of Ha Long Marine Plaza Trade Centre, commented: In recent years, Quang Ninh has many directing in strengthening tourism business environment, towards building the friendly and hospitable images. Especially the program "Smile Ha Long" was launched as a positive move to enhance professionalism in the style of travel services.

Building Brand from the smallest job, from the most friendly warm smiles, not only the responsibility of local government, the province, but also the responsibility of every citizens, every businesses and investors. The Sales cultural beauty in Halong Night Market has been contributing to concretize the goal of building land Quang Ninh Land is worth working and living!

Chợ đêm Hạ Long- Halong night market

Plan for a cheap Co To Island Trips

Official Website of Huong Hai Sealife Cruise,Plan for a cheap Co To Island Trips

From Cai Rong Dock (Van Don, Quang Ninh), it takes about 1.5 hours to get the island by speedboat, where you could spend about 3 days to explore and relax.

* Special chocolate cliffs on the island of Co To Isalnd / Three campsites welcomes summer sun
* The best halong bay cruise on halong bay Vietnam.

The most beautiful time for visiting Co To Island is the Summer, from April to September and 3D2N tours only costs about 1,200,000 VND / person.

Location

Co To Island belongs to Quang Ninh province, close to Cai Rong Dock, usually about 3 hours to get by train. Lately, about 5 years, it is the destination for young people to visit in the summer with many favorite activities on the sea and the night camp. Co To Island still remain untouched & wild features, the beaches with clear water, fine sand and underdeveloped service.

                         From aboard saw Coto Island with its sky blue wrapper.

From Hanoi, you can take a bus to Cam Pha, Cua Ong at My Dinh & Luong Yen bus station. Price at 200,000 VND / turn. Traveling time is about 4 hours. From here, you catch the bus to the port of Cai Rong, stay one night at the hotel/ motels near the port for early morning travel by boat to the island Co To the next day.

There are two types of ships to the island: High speed train departs at 13 PM all the day of week, for the time of 90 minutes, costs around 135,000 VND / way / person. Timber ship departs daily from the harbor at 6:30, takes about 3 hours.

Co To Island vehicle and transport: Motorcycle rent 200,000 VND / day, bike or motorcycle taxi & taxi.

Service

On the island, there is not much service, you should book in advance or bring extra food from the mainland with you. Morning markets located in a residential area of town, you can go shopping for more food for the meal.

In the evening, on sunset, along the coast there are many store selling of marine products at reasonable prices.

Vacation spot ( Accommodation)

On the island there are not many motels, mostly should open with simple equipment. District Commissioner Coto guesthouse prices than 200,000 / room. Coto Lodge Hotel prices around VND500,000 / double room. And left the hostel prices ranges than 200,000 / room.

Note: The Grid of Electricity in Coto Island is so far not good so the power is cut off after 11pm. The hostel only have fans with no air condition.

Entertainment 

Bac Van park , just in front of the Island, from the habor , you can see a 15 km in length beach which runs along to the end of the island. Big Wave beaches has a Casuarina road running along very beautiful

Hong Van beach, 8 km far from the town, is considered as the most beautiful beaches with turquoise blue sea water sea.

Van Chay Beach lies at ends of the island where the sunset is most beautiful and you remember to get back when the moon rises, the tide has withdrawn to expose a flat sandy stretched endlessly.

Co To Island lighthouse is located at more than hundred meters taller than the sea level, Here, you can see the whole of island. Visiting lighthouse, you need to have permission to climb to the station.

Co To Con Island, small islands located about half an hour far from CoTo Island when traveling by boat. To get to the island, you have to book the ship in advance. Boats depart in the morning and back in one day. Here, it has no residents and water so if you plan to have a picnic here, you have to prepare enough food and personal items.

Thanh Lan Island is also located near Co To Island, it has the boates to the island in the morning. Thanh Lan Island has many beautiful small beaches and you can go in one day.

Rocks CoTo, one of the most beautiful spots in Co To islands, where many couple choose to take wedding photos.

BBQ and camping on the beach is one of most people's favorite activities.

Noted

• The food on Co To island is not rich and have many species so if you take big groups, buy enough food to carry with you. Seafood can be purchased in the Co To market
• The evening on the Co To beach, there are many mosquito, bring items to avoid, Pls!
• The weather at night is quite cold, be sure to bring a warm jacket.
• If camping on the beach, you should choose no wind place and bring a flashlight.

Tags: Thanh Lan Island, Co To island , HALONG bay cruise , halong bay tours....

Vietnam's landscapes dominate the top 27 natural wonders in Asia.

Of all the 27 fantastic natural wonders in Asia, Vietnam's nature landscapes were honorably listed: Halong bay (1st), Son Doong Cave (19th) and Can Gio Mangrove Forest (27th) by a trustworthy travelling website Smarter Travel (U.S.A)

Situated in the North-East region of Viet Nam, Ha Long Bay is a part of Bac Bo Gulf and comprises the sea area of Ha Long City, Cam Pha City and a part of Van Don island district (Quang Ninh Province). This is the place containing important traces of the formation and development of the Earth, the cradle of ancient Vietnamese people and considered as a great visual art work of the nature.

With outstanding aesthetic, geographical and geomorphologic values, Ha Long Bay recognized as world natural heritage site twice times in 1994 and 2000. The UNESCO-recognized zone has 775 islands spreading out the area of 434km² and looks like a giant triangle with Dau Go Island (in the west), Ba Ham Lake (in the south) and Cong Tay Island (in the east) as its three angle points.The bay covers a total area of 1,553km², including 1,969 islands of various sizes and different forms, 989 of which have been given names. There is extremely interesting cave system in the rocky islands. Ha Long Bay is also home to high biodiversity with typical eco-systems and thousands of fauna and flora species.

Nestled in the limestone mountains of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, Son Doong Cave (Tan Trach Commune, Bo Trach District, Quang Binh Province) was first found in 1991 by Ho Khanh, a local man. In 2009, the cave was explored and published by a group of scientists from British Cave Research Association.

Son Doong Cave was formed 2-5 million years ago, when the river flowed through the limestone mountain area and was buried. The water eroded limestone and created an underground tunnel. In soft limestone areas, the collapse of tunnel ceiling formed large holes which became giant domes afterward. The cave is about 200m high, 200m wide and at least 8.5km long. Especially, Son Doong consists of two entrances, which is unique among explored caves in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park. Exploring the cave, visitors were surprised with spectacular scenery of numerous stalactites of which some giant stalagmites are more than 70m high. Deep inside the cave exists a grandiose tropical jungle called “Garden of Eden” by the explorers. The jungle is home to a diversified system of fauna and flora. Besides, the cave possesses a 2.5km subterranean river with layers of shells agglomerated in the river bed. Not far from the “Garden of Eden” lies an enormous “pearl collection” consisting of tens of thousands of small stone pieces in dry ponds, contributing to magnificent beauty of the cave.

Formed on the vast delta of the river mouths of Dong Nai, Sai Gon and Vam Co,Can Gio Mangrove Forest (Ho Chi Minh City) is a intermediate ecosystem between aquatic ecosystem and terrestrial ecosystem, freshwater ecosystem and marine ecosystem, including 150 flora species, 744 fauna species, 130 species of bird and 130 species of fish. In the core zone of ​​Can Gio Mangrove Forest - the convergence of most beautiful and valuable forests, Ho Chi Minh City invested to build Vam Sat Ecological Tourist Site with many attractions such as: crocodile farm, bat lagoon, bird yard, Tang Bong Tower, botanical garden and many games of fishing crocodile, sailing boats, rowing boats…

Can Gio is the green lung of Ho Chi Minh City and is assessed as the best restored, care and protected place in Viet Nam and worldwide. This is also the ideal place for eco-tourism and scientific research. On 21 January 2000, UNESCO recognized Can Gio as a world biosphere reserve.

The list of 27 amazing natural wonders in Asia voted by Smarter Travel includes Ha Long Bay (Viet Nam), Longdong (Taiwan), the Chocolate Hills (Philippines), Flaming Cliffs in Gobi Desert (Mongolia), Marble Rocks (India), Thi Lo Su Waterfall (Thailand), Natural Forest Park of Zhangjiaje (China), Al-Hasa Oasis (Saudi Arabia), Tubbataha Reef (Philippines), Karst Mountains and Caves in Guilin (China), Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (Philippines), Kelimutu Mountain (Indonesia), Komodo National Park (Indonesia), Kuang Si Waterfall (Laos), Geysers Valley (Russia), Okama Lake (Japan), Tojinbo Cliffs (Japan), Lonar Crater Lake (India), Son Doong Cave (Viet Nam), Manjanggul Lava Tube (the Republic of Korea), Ta Prohm Temple Trees in Siem Reap (Cambodia), Tiger Leaping Gorge (China), Gunung Mulu National Park (Malaysia), the Stone Forest (China), Taroko Gorge (China), Lion's Rock Relic Site (Sri Lanka) and Can Gio Mangrove Forest (Viet Nam).

How to visit Halong bay

Since being designated a World Heritage site in 1994, much has been made of Halong Bay’s mystical landscape of limestone islets. As the number-one tourist attraction in the northeast, Halong Bay attracts visitors year-round. UNESCO reports that the numbers of visitors have climbed from 200,000 in 1995 to 1,7000,000 in 2002. There are many ways to experience the ethereal beauty of Halong Bay. Unless you have a private yacht (or you’re an Olympic kayaker), you’ll have to take a tour of some kind.

Cruising the karsts: picking the right tour for you

For a serious splurge, cruising the karsts aboard a luxury Vietnamese-style junk is hard to beat. There’s also a very luxurious paddle ship, based on a French craft from the early 20th century. But be aware that nearly all of these luxury trips operate on a fixed itinerary, taking in the well-known caves and islands, and simply do not have the time to stray far from Halong City. Many ‘two-day’ tours actually involve less than 24 hours on a boat (and cost hundreds of dollars per person).

At the other end of the scale, budget tours sold out of Hanoi start from a rock-bottom US$45 per person for a dodgy day trip, and rise to around US$180 for two nights on the bay with kayaking. For around US$135 to US$170, you should get a worthwhile overnight cruise.

Huong Hai Sealife Cruise

There are many complaints about poor service, bad food and rats running around boats, but these tend to be on the ultra budget tours. Spend a little more and enjoy the experience a whole lot more. It can be false economy signing up for one of the budget tours, and it’s also potentially a matter of safety.

In February 2011, a budget boat tour sank near Dao Titop with the loss of 11 international tourists from eight countries and one Vietnamese tour guide. In May 2011, the provincial government of the area around Halong Bay enacted new regulations on working conditions and boat safety.

Most tours include transport and meals, and sometimes include island hikes. Drinks are extra. Most of these trips follow a strict itinerary, with planned stops at illuminated caves often at the same time as many of the other boats operating out of Bai Chay. Because of weather, boat tours are sometimes cancelled and you’ll probably be offered a full or partial refund. Ascertain in advance what that will be.

When to go

February to April is often cool and drizzly, and the ensuing fog can make visibility low, but also adds an ethereal air. From May to September tropical storms are frequent, and year-round, tourist boats sometimes need to alter their itineraries, depending on the weather. Some tour companies offer full or partial refunds if tours are cancelled; check when you book.

Lonely planet.

Cherry blossom Festival 2015 in Hanoi.

Under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Japanese cherry blossom festival 2015 is going to be organized on April 11th-12th at the Thang Long royal citadel in Hanoi.

Cherry blossom festival in Halong Bay, Quang Ninh.

Hanoi Cherry blossom Festival 2014. Photo: Phan Tung

During the festival, Yosakoi traditional dance, cosplay performances, martial arts performances, and an introduction to special Japanese  food will be held.

Apart from the usual Sakura decoration, there will be interesting activities such as Sakura planting, exhibition, and an area introducing Sakura and photography.

The Japanese cherry blossom festival was first held in 2007. Each year, the festival attracts more than 100,000 visitors. This is an outstanding cultural activity in Viet Nam to introduce Japanese culture to visitors.

Last year, the festival took place at the Viet Nam Exhibition and Fair Centre on Giang Vo Street, Ha Noi in March. Organised by the Japan-Viet Nam Cultural Association Foundation, fresh cherry blossoms were imported from Japan and displayed at the festival.

Along with it, there will be also the Cherry blossom Festival in Halong Bay Quang Ninh in 30-10 square. Remember to arrange your time and join the interesting activities!

The sophisticated gastronomy of Halong bay

Apart from enjoying the sightseeing activities in Halong bay with the magnificent sceneries and glorious atmosphere of Halong bay, tourists will have the chance to flavor the masterpieces of Vietnamese cuisines on the Halong cruises.

It is said that seafood in Ha Long Bay is more delicious than the other coastal places in Vietnam. This comment is true as many rock islands and coral reefs in Ha Long Ba provide nutrients to make seafood in the cliffs and coral reefs tasty and abundant in species.

Counting on economic conditions and the convenience of the trip, you can try many ways to enjoy Ha Long seafood by yourself. Here is one way which most residents in Ha Long Bay usually enjoy and offer their guests.

                                    

If you visit Ha Long, I can invite you to my house or a restaurant in Bai Chay, or visit  “snail supermarket” in Cai Dam or simply go around Ha Long for its well-known places like Huong Duyen restaurant in Tran Hung Dao Street or Cai Xa Cong in Ha Tu ward. You can even enjoy seafood on the tourist boats….. Some appetizers like hotpot an appealing and delicious way of enjoying seafood are also available for taste testing. Varieties of oysters, snails, crabs, squid, shrimp, fishes that are baked, boiled, fried or steamed will make your mouth watery. These kinds should be prepared in a moderate amount to enjoy many other local dishes. Next, some typical sour but inviting soups can be served like mussel or fish soup together and some other dishes like barnacle cooked with bamboo shoot, “Bong Thua” with kohlrabi, or squid or cuttlefish with celery leaves and fresh garlic are always available. Finally, rice can be enjoyed with a sunny fried mackerel. If you need vegetable dishes, water spinach or collard greens sauted with garlic are ready to serve. If hotpot is chosen, seafood choice relies on your favorite. Moreover, hotpot soup has the kind of sour taste   made from tamarind, star fruits, tomato and many kinds of green vegetables such as water spinach, broccoli, fresh onions, celery, cauliflower, tofu ….can be served. Rice noodles or instant noodles can be ordered at the end of meal.

                                 

One kind of drink that can be considered as a particular specialty of Ha Long is Ruou Ngan (a kind of local seafood like clam dipped in wine), which is quite suitable to serve with seafood. There are three ways of making Ruou Ngan; the first one is  shelling out 3 live intestines of Ngan and putting them into a big cup and then chopsticks in opposite directions are used with trashed hands to poke, hold down and hit until guts get soon crushed finely, dilate and turn into dark red. White wine is poured into it and a glass of fresh rosy wine suddenly appears in front of us. Another way to make, Ngan which is not too old or too young is to tie cleaned shells to boil, then shell out for putting 2 or 3 guts and their water into the cup, depending on drinkers’ taste. Wine is poured into it and chopsticks are used to gently poke two sides and make their liver bladder rupture. As a result, we can enjoy a light pink or bluish glass of wine depending on the way of cooking Ngan. The third way is putting from 3 to 5 bowels into a small aluminum pot, then pouring wine and boiling again. Finally, a hot drink is ready to serve.

Ruou Ngan tastes tangy and slightly salty when tried for the first time, but then its fragrance effuses at the tip of tongue and suddenly makes our body incredibly warm. This kind of alcohol can be addicted if used regularly.

Wonderful squid fishing in Halong bay.

If you come to Halong, it will be a great lack without trying the night squid fishing. It would be very fantastic and joyful for every tourists. All the travelers are provided with fishing rods and racquets so that they can actively use them to catch squids. From the Halong Sealife cruise, you can both enjoy the starry night and atmospheric squid fishing activity.

Squid fishing at night

Tourists must be excited to clearly see light-drunken shoals of squids lazily hovering around; and, step by step each squid is enticed and picked up, remaining totally fresh and striving convulsively. Especially, during the squid season, it would be common to see large shoals of squids surrounding the cruiser and each tourist may catch an average of 30 squids for each squid fishing night.

Halong bay is the best choice for your summer vacation

Halong bay vietnam Halong Bay, in Northern Vietnam, is an area of outstanding natural beauty and means ‘Bay of Descending Dragons.’ Why not head on a tour of the area this summer and enjoy all that Vietnam has to offer, from the friendly local people to the amazing street food, there is something for everyone!

History Of Halong Bay:

It is thought that the traditional name of Halong Bay, ‘Bay of Descending Dragons’ could have come from reports in a French newspaper during the summer of 1898, that the sub-lieutenant of a local ship, had seen a large sea dragon swimming at Halong Bay. Reports of this creature were never verified, but this could explain the Bay’s name.

There are 1,969 islands making up Halong Bay, with many of these remaining uninhabited. With the Bay listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, large portions of the area have received protection against future developments, making the Bay a largely peaceful and unchanged area over the last few years.

Visit At The Right Time:

The best time to visit Halong Bay is between March and June; June to September can see stormy weather and poor conditions hit the area whereas the winter months see fog and drizzle obscuring the beauty of the bay. Tours of Halong Bay can be organised leaving from Hanoi and taking in many of the islands in the area, but make sure to shop around and find out exactly what is included in your tour cost, as some packages really are too good to be true.

Halong Bay’s Islands:

Cat Ba is one of the most popular islands for tourists to visit, home to the endangered cat species ‘Ba Langur’ as well as some beautiful national parks and caves. Nearby Dau Be Island is recommended if swimming and diving is your thing; its stunning grottoes, lakes and rich coral attract thousands of tourists every year. Why not visit Bo Hon island, where ‘Hang Trinh Nu’ (The Virgin Cave) attracts tourists in flocks to see the small shrine set inside, where legend tells a young woman committed suicide after she was unable to go back home after an arranged marriage to a Mandarin man. It is said that her body turned to stone.

Vietnamese Food:

After a long day of cruising and sightseeing, experience local cuisine at its finest. Try ‘Tu Hai’ a local shellfish which is enjoyed simply baked or steamed, or added to soups and salads, ‘Gat Gu’ a steamed rice pancake which is delicious and moist. You will find street food vendors on every corner in Vietnam and the quality of food rivals most restaurants in the UK for freshness and taste.

Halong Bay is the perfect stop-off on your halong cruises tour; although once your group has spent a few days here, they may never want to leave! Soak up the local culture, history and cuisine and enjoy the friendly, welcoming attitude of the local people.

AUTHOR BIO:

Annabel Wilson is an English Teacher and Travel Writer from Yorkshire, who recently took a group of students on an educational tour to Vietnam, taking in the sights of Halong Bay. She plans to return with her husband next year and has fallen in love with the country’s people, cuisine and culture.

Kayaking in Halong Bay-one of the World’s Best Adventure Holidays

US-based Allwomentalk website advised travelers to choose kayaking in Halong Bay as one of the world’s best adventure holidays.

halong bay kayaking

Adventure holidays are a way to explore the world around you, without trawling malls, staying in 5 star luxury hotels and having endless massages at a spa. Although these things are indeed a really nice way of spending your down time, adventure holidays are designed for those who want a bit more out of their travels.

According to Allwomentalk, Halong Bay cruises has got to be one of the most incredible landscapes in the world, where time appears to stand completely still – the perfect destination for some terrific adventure tours. The mesmerizing deep emerald waters, and the swirling mist, give way to the mysterious and eerie limestone outcrops that appear to rise from the depths of the bay, cropping up almost appearing to be scattered everywhere.


Thus, the website advised travelers to go on a guided kayak tour which will lead them to all the secret, hidden coves, amazing caves and sensational views. Visitors will have a chance to glide through the magical waters and wave to passing junks and experience serenity like nowhere else on earth.

The Allwomentalk’s list of the World’s Best Adventure Holidays also includes hiking in the Himalayas, cycling in El Camino, Spain, Antarctic voyage, Cowboy adventures in Canada, Hot air balloon tour in the North Pole, Semi-sub tour of the Great Barrier Reef and Safari in Uganda./.